Sinn Fein’s Daithi McKay has resigned his Assembly seat following
allegations of “collusion” with a loyalist blogger in his claims that
former DUP leader and First Minister Peter Robinson personally gained
from a sale managed by NAMA, the bank run by the 26 County state to
manage distressed property assets.

It was claimed on Thursday that loyalist blogger and flags protester
Jamie Bryson was “coached” with the assistance of Mr McKay, then chair
of the finance committee at Stormont, on how to handle legal and
political issues in his testimony. He controversially alleged that
Robinson financially gained from the infamous 1.5 billion euro deal
known as ‘Project Eagle’.

The finance committee had heard allegations that a kickback payout of 7
million pounds was to be shared with some business and legal people and
politicians.

At the time Mr Robinson said Mr Bryson’s claims were “scurrilous and
unfounded”.

Sinn Fein chief whip Caral Ni Chuilin said Mr McKay has resigned as
Assembly member for North Antrim with immediate effect.

“Daithi McKay has resigned as MLA for North Antrim with immediate effect
and has been suspended from Sinn Fein. His letter of resignation has
been submitted to the Speaker’s office.”

It was reported on Thursday that Mr McKay exchanged direct personal
messages on Twitter with Mr Bryson in the period before he gave evidence
to the Stormont finance committee in September last year, directing him
to communicate with another Sinn Fein member and adviser. That account
holder, appeared to advise Bryson how to present his evidence to the
finance committee without being stopped by DUP committee members.

Sinn Fein said the communications were “a solo run” by Mr McKay and that
it was only made aware of the allegations today. “Sinn Fein’s position
has always been about getting to the truth about the sale of the Nama
portfolio,” said a spokesman.

“Sinn Fein have only been made aware of these allegations today and if
they are true, then this contact would be wholly inappropriate. If such
contact did occur it was without the knowledge, involvement or sanction
of Sinn Fein, “ he said.